Race up Table Mountain

2010-04-09 15:12

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Table Mountain (File)

Cape Town - Just as Capetonians are gathering their breath from the Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, the Cape Epic and the Two Oceans, another extreme sporting event is taking place on Saturday, April 17 - the Webber Wentzel Platteklip Charity Challenge. This time it takes place on Cape Town’s most famous and beloved icon, Table Mountain.

This tough event challenges competitors to see how many times they can summit Table Mountain, from sunrise to sunset, but each must summit a minimum of five times.

Each lap is 5.5km in distance, with 760 metres of climbing, and takes approximately two hours. The route up Platteklip Gorge includes 800 double size steps over a distance of 2.1km. Once at the top, the contestants need to run to the upper cable station, catch a lift down and then run back to the start.

This is the second year the race has taken place and the numbers of participants have been growing. The aim is to have 100 in 2010.

The Webber Wentzel Platteklip Charity Challenge is a charity event which raises funds for AIDs affected, vulnerable and orphaned children in Samora Machel, Cape Town. The Masikuisane Creche has been the sole beneficiary up till now, however it has reached developmental capacity and is now being included in plans to build a larger community centre across the road which will be able to incorporate more children from the area. This initiative is being spearheaded by the Ubomi Trust and the Aids Resource Centre. Money is pledged to each race participant by family and friends, depending on the number of laps they think competitors will complete.

Selwyn Hockey, Managing partner of corporate law firm Webber Wentzel which sponsors the event says, “In 2009 the event raised R551 200 and this year we are hoping for more. Our sponsorship of the event means that 100% of the funds raised will go directly to the Masikulisane Crèche, so you can be safe in the knowledge that all your money is going to a good cause. We hope Capetonians will show their support in droves.”

“Our sponsorship of the event affords Webber Wentzel the opportunity to show our commitment to social upliftment initiatives in the City, and allows Table Mountain, to be showcased as more than a tourism icon, but rather the heart of our City.

“In a country where the majority of our citizens face major economic and social challenges, it goes without saying that companies and corporations have a fundamental responsibility to assist in improving the lives of individuals and communities.

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